Understanding Water Treatment Challenges: Insights from Peta Thiel

Hi, I’m Peta Thiel — founder, Managing Director, and Principal Chemist at Research Laboratory Services.

Navigating the Complex World of Water Treatment

If you work in water treatment, you’ve probably faced numerous challenges. Contaminants of concern are ever-present, and the headlines move quickly. I’ve encountered many issues, from algal toxins and disinfection by-products (DBPs) to endocrine disruptors and PFAS. With over 20 years of experience, I’ve collaborated with councils, utilities, and engineers to address these challenges and ensure filters operate effectively.

I founded RLS to move the industry beyond generic advice. We focus on evidence-based, practical solutions that truly work.

Our Specialisation

At RLS, we specialise in several key areas:

• Filtration Media Analysis

• Treatment Optimisation

• Lab-Scale Simulation of Full-Scale Performance

  
  

Our services include:

• Jar testing

• Column trials (GAC, IEX, DMI)

• Ozone demand and oxidation studies

• BDOC, AOC, UV254, SUVA

  
  

We assist clients in selecting the right treatment approach for their water. Our data supports funding cases, upgrades, and compliance decisions.

A Comprehensive Understanding of Contaminants

I’ve encountered a wide array of contaminants throughout my career:

• Algae Metabolites: Such as geosmin and MIB. Remember when that was the hot topic?

• Taste and Odour Removal: Through activated carbon and biological activated carbon (BAC).

• Disinfection By-Products (THMs): Balancing these with oxidation is an ongoing challenge.

• Endocrine Disruptors and Pharmaceuticals: Ozonation was once considered the solution for everything.

• Cryptosporidium and Giardia: The disinfection arms race continues.

• PFAS: The latest catastrophe that everyone is racing to solve.

  
  

Each time, we see a familiar pattern: urgency leads to investment, followed by cost modelling, and often, a “maybe next budget cycle.” However, some of us remain committed to helping clients develop real, adaptable strategies that extend beyond the headlines.

My Commitment to the Industry

I genuinely care about empowering professionals in the water industry. I want them to feel confident in their decisions, moving beyond reactive measures and mere compliance. My focus areas include:

• Realistic optimisation, not just theoretical concepts.

• Lab testing that accurately reflects actual site conditions.

• Teaching and mentoring operators to understand their systems better.

• Building trust with clients by providing honest assessments of what works and what doesn’t.

  
  

Where My Work Shows Up

My contributions to the field are reflected in various publications and presentations:

• Water Treatment Plant Design, 5th Ed. Chapter 9: High Rate Granular Media Filtration

• Presentations at WIOA, AWWA, and IWA

• Articles in Utility Magazine and AWWA Water Journal

• Custom SOPs, challenge testing reports, and application studies for utilities across Australia

  
  

Let’s Collaborate for Better Water Solutions

If you’re facing a tricky filter, a PFAS challenge, or simply want to brainstorm ideas, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to find effective solutions. Book a consultation or get in touch to explore how we can collaborate.

In the world of water treatment, staying informed and proactive is crucial. We understand the complexities and are here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can ensure safe, sustainable, and compliant water solutions for our communities.